Free drinks for drivers

Police's 'Lift Legend Christmas' campaign

A campaign called 'Lift Legend Christmas' has been launched by Devon and Cornwall Police as part of the force's annual drink drive crackdown.

They've got the agreement of more than a hundred licenced premises across the region to offer soft drinks to drivers who give free lifts home to friends and family after a night out. 

It runs for the rest of the year!

Motorists do have to cough up for at least one soft drink. When they've done that in participating venues, they get a voucher for a second.

During the month-long operation, police will be raising awareness of the dangers involved in drink-driving. Last year, they caught 163 people at the wheel under the influence, out of 1,348 they breathalysed. 

Breath tests will also be requested from all drivers who commit a moving road traffic offence, irrespective of whether or not they’re suspected a drink driving offence. 

Officers will also be carrying out intelligence-led fixed site checks, as well as engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after a drink. 

Superintendent Adrian Leisk, of the roads policing team, said: “It is vital we do all we can to ensure anyone on a night out is able to get home safely. Our new initiative aims to encourage those heading out for the night to plan who is going to be their Lift Legend.

“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year." 

He continued: “It is also important to remember that you shouldn’t seek out lifts from those you don’t know or who aren’t licenced such as through social media networks. Only get into a vehicle with someone you know and trust.

“Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly. This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol is consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.

“If police think you are unfit to drive through consumption of alcohol, even if your breath test registers lower than the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, you can still be arrested and may be charged with an offence. In short, you do not have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Don’t risk it.

St Austell Brewery is getting behind the campaign across its 38 venues across Devon and Cornwall. Kevin Georgel, chief executive said: “Pubs are the heart of responsible socialising, so we’re delighted to be taking part in the Lift Legend campaign throughout the festive season. What better way to reward those who are driving their friends and family than with a soft drink, mocktail or alcohol-free beer or cider on the house?”

Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chairman of the Vision Zero South West board as well as the national commissioners' lead for road safety. She said: “Drink driving is completely unacceptable – it puts the driver, passengers and innocent members of the public at substantial risk.  Those found guilty of this crime face losing their license and even going to prison, which could cost you your job and livelihood. 

“This doesn’t just apply to people who are on a big night out, those driving the morning after a few drinks could also unexpectedly be over the limit and unfit to drive.

“Please don’t make this Christmas a time to remember for all the wrong reasons.”